The Energized Body welcomes Karina Hines!
Hello Energized Bodies!
Last week, I gave you some tips on how to increase your calorie burn. Did you try the interval work out? Will you stick with it? You have only 5 more weeks to go 🙂
Today, I am very excited to introduce Karina Hines, the newest member of the Energized Body Team.
Karina is an Australian-born gourmet chef. She is a perfect fit for The Energized Body because of her passion for light, healthy, innovative dishes using the freshest ingredients available. She will be sharing her recipes and tips as a guest blogger on The Energized Body Fit Foodie Blog. Lucky us!!
Karina’s Post: Low calorie cook-out
The sun is shining & spring has sprung and the great American Memorial Day celebrations are upon us, which marks the beginning of the cook-out season. Americans call it a cook-out, Aussies a Barbie, South Africans a Braai, South Americans an Asado and Europeans call it a Barbacoa, a word which originated from the Caribbean; all of it is associated with a scared pit of fire.
Call it what you will, that first outdoor meal of the season brings back memories of the essence of summer: long warm summer nights, surrounded by family & friends, sharing food & fun.
The food bit can be tricky when you are trying to watch your weight. I have a few tips & recipes to share with you that will help you cut calories, spend minimal time in the kitchen and impress your guests with seriously tasty food.
Appetizers & Snacks
Aussie-style burger
These are the easiest to prepare & eat but often have the most hidden calories. Try preparing your favorite dishes at home: you can tweak the recipes to keep them healthy and still enjoy tasty little treats. Adding veggies into dips is a great way to up the flavor while trimming calories. In Australia, a BBQ is not a BBQ unless there are beets involved; in fact, a burger isn’t quite right without sliced pickled beetroot, yes beetroot (that’s Australian for beet). So replace the mayo with this yummy Beet and Yogurt Dip!
Homemade burgers always taste so much better, plus you can add a little zest & zing. The DIY burger patties can be made in advance or better still, make a double batch & freeze half, so you’ll be ready for your next cook-out. Cut calories by skipping the bun or opt for a whole-wheat pita pocket or tortilla. Have picky eaters? Add a little hidden color: mix in grated zucchini or carrots. Kids will love them & get a vitamin boost. Don’t forget to dollop on the beet dip!
Come back next week for my healthy BBQ marinades and side dishes. Until then, Happy Memorial Day! — Karina